Browsing by Author "Hwang, Sang Won"

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    A General Evolutionary Methodology for Sustainable Development
    Hwang, Sang Won (Virginia Tech, 1998-05-27)
    In order to determine the dynamic factors inducing the evolution of environmental management strategies in the context of sustainable development, I draw upon theory from the field of general evolutionary sciences (including chaos theory, complexity science, and nonlinear thermodynamics). I translate this emerging theoretical worldview to a general evolutionary methodology for the analysis of sustainable development strategies. Application of the methodology to selected case studies indicates that sustainable development strategies co-evolve in response to organizational values, technology, and organizational structure inside the firm, and to the environmental management field outside the firm. Competing notions of sustainable development influence the politicization process that limits the types of sustainable development strategies chosen and implemented. The evidence also indicates that new pathways of efficiency are emerging in sustainable development based on market driven strategies, institutional partnerships, and the formation of new industries. The dissertation is based on case study analysis of three sustainable development projects of three different environmental organizations, the International Institute for Energy Conservation, the Environmental Law Institute, and Sanders International. The results have implications for sustainable development theory and practical implications for policy analysts and sustainable development advocates, as well as for a subtler and deeper personal understanding of our place in the world.
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    Sustainable use of soil resource base in the Dominican Republic:a farm level economic analysis of soil conservation practices
    Hwang, Sang Won (Virginia Tech, 1992-06-05)
    Income effects associated with specific levels of erosion reduction for a representative farm in the Bao watershed area in the Dominican Republic are examined in a linear programming framework. Estimation of costs expected in response to specific levels of erosion reduction and the income effects of changes in agricultural policies on the farmer's ability to conserve soil are examined. Results indicate that income losses will be substantial when complying with soil loss standards without introducing soil conservation practices. Net income reduction of 36% can be expected with a reduction in soil loss by 50%. With the introduction of soil conservation practices, substantial reductions in erosion can be obtained with only a minor reduction in net income. For example, with grass strips, 50% reduction in soil loss can be expected with only a 7% reduction in income. Analysis of the effects of changes in agricultural policies indicates that restricting access to credit and changes in tenure from secure land holdings to lack of land titles does not affect the incentive to conserve soil in the short run. Furthermore, analysis of effects of changes in agricultural pricing policies indicates that the promotions of coffee, sweet potatoes, and beans represent the least-costly means of meeting the twin goals of erosion reduction and income maintenance.